Pak plays 2-2 draw against Belgium in practice match

SALTA (ARGENTINA), Dec 3 (APP): A late goal from forward Shakeel Abbasi helped Pakistan to earn a 2-2 draw against Belgium in their first practice match hit by rain here on Thursday at Popeye baseball club here.



The match helped the green shirts to overcome jet lag ahead of their participation in the Champions Challenge cup to be played from December 6. Pakistan will play China in their second practice match tomorrow, Friday.
On a soggy pitch players from both sides faced lot of difficulty in ball control and passing as the first ten minutes play was played in light showers. The each half of the match was of 20 minutes and both sides demonstrated high speed hockey and opened game with players coming and going off the field in frequent changing process.
Pak team settled down with a lovely field goal when Haseem Khan swiftly guided the ball in after setting up by Umer Bhutta from right side in the 7th minute as Pakistan lost the first penalty corner.
Belgium team came with full force to avenge and they stretched their wings, specially from the side in which Gougnard was the main trouble maker with his persistent penetration and speed but most of his efforts were dashed away by first half goalkeeper Nasir.
Pakistani team management led by Muhammad Asif Bajwa tried out all the 18-member squad to ensure that every one gets a fair chance to flex his muscles and to be in right frame of mind and physical condition before the Cup.
After trailing by one goal at half time the Belgium side went into action to lock the score at 1-1 through Dekeyser off a short corner in 27th minute of play and they made 2-1 when striker Gucassoff shone in a mid field move.
It was Abbasi who brought teams at par five minute before the close after crowing solo efforts from half line before Waseem fed him with a straight.
“It was a good match and I am satisfied with the performance of players,” said Pak team head coach, Shahid Ali Khan while talking to APP. He said despite adverse weather conditions, rain and soggy field players gave a good show. We will be playing China in next match which will help us in ending jetlag and by that way we will be fully prepare for the Cup,” he added.

Source: app.com.pk/